Pakistan Closes Airspace to Indian Airlines, Extends Flight Times

Pakistan's recent closure of its airspace to Indian carriers, following heightened tensions between the two countries, has forced airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet to reroute west-bound international flights, resulting in longer flight times and higher operational costs. Flights to destinations including North America, Europe, the UK, and the Middle East are now taking alternative southern routes, with some journeys extended by up to four hours and requiring additional refueling stops. Mumbai Air Traffic Control has had to manage an influx of rerouted flights, deploying extra controllers to handle the surge. The increased flying time is expected to raise fuel consumption, crew deployment, and maintenance expenses for airlines, which may lead to higher airfares for passengers. The last comparable airspace closure in 2019 resulted in significant financial losses for Indian airlines. Carriers have issued advisories warning passengers of potential delays and offered flexible rebooking or refunds due to the disruptions.